Barrett homes in on final triumph

Aussie Trent Barrett has his sights on a Grand Final farewell before returning Down Under at the end of the season.

The Cronulla-bound ace, Wigan skipper (right) in the absence of injured Sean O'Loughlin, took a step nearer his dream with a top show in the opening Engage Super League play-off tie at Widnes last night.

The Warriors lost home advantage after Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan refused them permission to stage the tie at the JJB Stadium to protect the pitch for today's Premier League match against Sunderland.

Wigan were forced to move the clash to the Stobart Stadium - but they produced a riproaring performance with Thomas Leuluai also irrepressible at scrum half.

Warriors boss Brian Noble said: "Our fans were terrific. I will be disappointed if we have to play in Reykjavik next week but the JJB is definitely available if we are at home."

The Bulls, ahead through a Paul Deacon goal, had a try controversially disallowed by video ref Phil Bentham after Semi Tadulala outjumped Calderwood to tap the ball back for Chris Nero to pounce. Bradford boss Steve McNamara fumed: "That was a disgraceful call. The ball bounced backwards and it was not a knock-on."

There was no denying Andy Lynch but Leuluai wriggled over and Calderwood latched on to a precision Barrett kick.

The Bulls closed the gap to 18-14 with sub Simon Finnigan charging over before Tadulala was placed on report for an off-the-ball incident which left Cameron Phelps needing treatment.

Another teasing Barrett kick enabled Calderwood to feed Tomkins.

And Phelps' replacement, prop Gareth Hock, sealed the Bulls' exit with his first touch.